15-Day Adivasi Mela starts from today

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 10:00:39 IST

Bhubaneswar, Jan 26: Like previous years, the annual 15-day Adivasi Mela will get underway at the Adivasi Ground here on the occasion of the Republic Day on Tuesday.

The fair aiming at showcasing the culture, tradition and lifestyle of tribal people and exhibiting their produces would have a total of 180 stalls this year. Produces, including jewelleries and various handicraft items would be sold at the stalls. Besides, 29 model houses have been made by the Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) and micro projects replicating the culture and architectural traits of the tribals are in place, said SC and ST Department Secretary Surendra Kumar.

For the first time, ATM facilities would be made available for the visitors. Besides, the Police Commissionerate has been asked to make adequate arrangements to ensure smooth traffic management. Police and private agencies have would be engaged for security purposes. Besides, a total 30 CCTVs cameras would be installed at the fair, he added.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to inaugurate the fair, organised by the SC and ST Department.

"While last year the Mela witnessed a footfall of around eight lakh and made a business of `7 crore, around 10 lakh people are expected to visit the fair this year. Business of around `9 crore is expected to be recorded this year", Kumar added.